The epidemiology of acne vulgaris in a multiethnic adolescent population from Rotterdam, the Netherlands: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Although acne is a prevalent multifactorial inflammatory skin condition, few studies were performed in multiethnic populations.

Objectives: To study the prevalence and determinants of acne in a multiethnic study at the start of puberty.

Methods: This cross-sectional study is embedded in Generation R, a population-based prospective study from Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Three-dimensional facial photos at the center visit in 2016-2019 (of ∼13-year-olds) were used to grade acne severity using the Global Evaluation of the Acne Severity (GEA). Analyses were stratified by biological sex and explored through chi-square tests and multivariable ordinal logistic regression.

Results: A total of 4561 children (51% girls) with a median age of 13.5 (IQR 13.3-13.6) were included. The visible acne prevalence (GEA 2-5) for girls vs boys was 62% vs 45% and moderate-to-severe acne (GEA 3-5) 14% vs 9%. Higher puberty stages (adjusted odds ratios: 1.38 [1.20-1.59] and 2.16 [1.86-2.51] for girls and boys, respectively) and darker skin colors V and VI (adjusted odds ratios: 1.90 [1.17-3.08] and 2.43 [1.67-3.56]) were associated with more severe acne in both sexes, and being overweight in boys (adjusted odds ratio: 1.58 [1.15-2.17]).

Limitations: Cross-sectional design.

Conclusions: Acne prevalence was high at the age of 13 years and was associated with advanced puberty, darker skin color, and weight status.

Keywords: acne vulgaris; clinical research; epidemiology; ethnicity; family medicine; general dermatology; medical dermatology; multiethnic; pediatrics; skin color.